John Polanowicz, secretary of Health and Human Services, joined Secretary Ann Hartstein of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs for a visit at Mitchell Heights Apartments on Friday. They met with tenants and toured the supportive housing site to highlight the need for more facilities that help veterans and low-income, elderly and handicapped people live more independently.

FALL RIVER — John Polanowicz, secretary of Health and Human Services, joined Secretary Ann Hartstein of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs for a visit at Mitchell Heights Apartments on Friday. They met with tenants and toured the supportive housing site to highlight the need for more facilities that help veterans and low-income, elderly and handicapped people live more independently.

Mitchell Heights is the only supportive housing site on the city’s low-income housing list.

Hartstein said the hope is to add 10 additional supportive housing sites throughout the state through an initiative by Gov. Deval Patrick. The House supported the measure, but the Senate voted it down on Thursday, according to Hartstein.

“This is a great model here,” Hartstein said of Mitchell Heights. “It was one of the original sites.”

Facilities like Mitchell Heights offer what she called “intermittent care.” Residents can take advantage of services ranging from grocery shopping to help getting around, without which some residents might have to resort to nursing homes.

“It’s a prudent investment and creates an environment where they don’t want have to leave their homes,” Hartstein said. “It’s a cost savings to the taxpayer, it’s a quality of life issue. It’s just a win-win all around.”

Polanowicz chatted with Bill Walker, president of the tenant association, asking what changes he’s seen over the years.

Walker said there are more activities for tenants to enjoy.

“So there’s a lot more social interaction,” Polanowicz said.

Polanowicz said he had just attended a board meeting of Bristol Elder Services to discuss the governor’s budget and his efforts to increase funding for elder support, and thought he’d take the opportunity to visit Mitchell Heights to see firsthand what supportive housing looks like.

He said he spoke with residents who are grateful to live in a place like Mitchell Heights.